Creating A Criminal Activity Record System (CARS)
Formal Documentation:
Implementation:
This segment will discuss the programming languages to be applied and the user training to achieve the set implementation objectives.
- Programming Language:
The system is implemented using various programming languages like PHP, Java, and HTML because of their open-source functions and accessibility to all browsers and platforms.
All three programming languages share common attributes such as easy to learn, apply, and cost-efficient. However, specific characteristics of each, when merged, will enable a seamless and efficient performance. For example, PHP is versatile but has easy compatibility and integration with most operating systems and other technologies such as Java. On the other hand, Java is popularly known to be an independent platform which will be ideal for the Criminal Activity Record System. It can run on many different computer systems while upholding the security features needed. Further, HTML offers the most search-friendly features among the three, thus countering the likely errors encountered with PHP and providing a simple outlook of the site.
- User training
Implementation of a new system or program will influence changes in business processes, job responsibilities, devices used, and overall running costs. Both the management and employees are required to adjust to the changes for effective implementation. This stage will include user guidelines and training by the IT experts for a successful transition.
This stage aims to maximize the implementation efficiency by ensuring that all employees receive the same training as opposed to learning by themselves. Further, the employees will adjust to the new processes and cater to any likely system problems before launching the system officially. It will also be easy to gauge the employees’ resistance towards the change and mitigate the risk.
Also, the internal IT expert can inspect, review, and statistically analyze the software. This approach will help achieve the successful implementation of the new system from the beginning, thus attaining maximum efficiency. The internal IT expert will also establish the kind of support to provide after implementation upon interacting with the employees.
User training can be achieved through e-learning, whereby employees can access it via an electronic device. This mode of training aims to offer interactive training at a reduced cost and time. The employees also get to do it practically, thus enhancing a better understanding of the new system. Coaching is also an effective mode of training which can be combined with face to face training. It can be conducted by either an internal or external IT expert to ensure that the team has a supportive apprentice until proficiency is attained.
Project Management
The project management phase will incorporate the project plan and work breakdown structure.
- Project plan
It is a series of the intended input towards the project, and it involves the following:
- Establishing a governance structure- this step is essential as the project kicks off. The aim is to create a governing structure that will oversee successful implementation to the end.
- Process refinement- this phase focuses on ensuring that all business processes are included in the software. The aim is to provide an integrated system that will add value to the Australian Police Force.
- the Initial software build-out programming and configuring begins based on the business processes. The aim is to come up with a prototype that is inclusive of all the business needs.
- CRP and software configuration- once the initial build-out software is complete, validation and configuration are launched. The primary users get to test and assess the functionality. The errors or fails are noted, and the configuration is conducted.
- Conducting a second and third CRP- The aim is to rectify any inadequate areas to enhance usability.
- User testing- is conducted once the multiple user testing is complete. The employee gets a chance to try out the new system for the first time. A final phase of configuration is allowed in case of any issues. This phase incorporates user training too.
- Cutover-it involves transitioning from the previous system to the new one.
- Launching of the new system
- Provision of support, which can be done bi-weekly, monthly, or quarterly basis. The aim is to sustain a smooth transition.
- Work Breakdown Structure
| Establishing governance | Process Refinement | CRP and Software Configuration | User testing | Cutover | Launching | Provision of support |
| Select a committee in place to oversee the project and help managers assess the progress of the process.
The committee has an executive sponsor, project manager, functional leads, and technical leads. | Functional leads meet with the police process experts to know all the processes to be included in the software. | Functional leads transfer the acquired data to the technical leads to commence with the first software build-out. | Get the process experts together to test the initial build-up under the guidance of the technical team. | User testing and training are conducted. | Go live with the new program and allow users to search for criminal records. | Bi-weekly, monthly, or quarterly basis depending on the agreed period. |
| Incorporate configurations to cater for any errors or fails. | Allow configurations in case of any issues that come up during testing and training. | |||||
| Repeat the test and configure procedure until 80-90% efficiency of the software is attained. | The date wh last data in the old system | |||||
| Complete end month entries to allow for a fresh start and develop a user support |
- Testing
The system must be tested after the development through a series of processes to verify the final product. These processes will help in establishing whether the purpose of the project has been satisfied or not. The tests will gauge the following areas: unit testing, performance, functional, acceptance, accessibility, usability, functional, and security. The aim is to ensure that the system works efficiently and holistic to attain the set objectives.
Conclusion
The objective of the process was to design a CARS system that is useful for the Australian police force to search and retrieve any criminal records. It is insured by a series of testing to check on the software functioning and maintenance of defects in the system. Thus, the system is built and implemented with excellent results and maximizes the value of the Australian Police Force.